This weekend was fun. Went to my friend’s 30th birthday party. It was a theme party, you had to dress up as someone in the past 30 years. I went as Madonna (1983). Jean skirt, tights, black socks, lingerie halter top, white beaded necklace, multiple bracelets, ratted hair, and a black ribbon in a bow. Every time I introduced myself they thought I was introducing myself in character until I said “no it really is my name”. If you are going to have a name like mine…have fun with it!
Saturday was the last spin class of the year, so it was 2 hours. I bonked. Dora kicked my ass—damn bitch. There are two projector screens in the spin studio so Matt had me pick out the video. 2006 tour—doping, crashes, blood, Tom—a great way to end 2007! In the middle of class with a packed room he goes: “Madonna, I know why you picked this one…this here is ‘Mr. Dreamy’. Does anyone else think he’s hot?” About 5 hands shot up very quickly. He was talking about Tom Boonen, Belgium sprinter on the QuickStop Team. It’s more or less an inside joke that started on our Wednesday rides.
I’m going to leave early to get my long run in for the week. Tomorrow is when all the New Year’s people start. I’m taking the day off.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Feeling Good!
80 minute run last night on the treadmill about 7.5 miles. I’m working on keeping my heart rate low while running. I was able to keep it at an average 163 and pushing up to 177 the last 5 minutes. Then I did upper body weights for about ½ hour. This morning I went to Matt’s spin class. We did 5 minute loops with 3 minute sprints. To my surprise each time we did the 3 minute sprints after every minute I was feeling good and picking up speed.
Eric showed up (finally) to class and bitched the whole time that I didn’t put his name down for tomorrow’s 2-hour class. Eric you need to show-up more often!! He and I are those kids in the class that just won’t be quite. Here is how it always plays out: Eric will ask me a question, I respond, I get in trouble for talking. Funny…today Eric goes “Matt needs to stop talking so you can hear me.”
Tomorrow is the last spin class of the year i.e. 2 hour spin with Matt and Jody. Matt’s bringing the Dora dice. I hope she’s nice this time.
I have a b-day party to go to for my friend who is turning 30. It’s a theme party—dress up as someone from the past 30 years. I have no choice—I’m going as Madonna. Where the hell am I going to find a 80’s outfit or a wedding dress?
You Know You're Addicted to Cycling When...
Your surgeon tells you need a heart valve replacement and you ask if you have a choice between presta and schrader.
A measurement of 44-36-40 doesn't refer to the latest Playboy centerfold, but that new gear ratio you were considering for your Cobra.
A Power Bar starts tasting better than a Snicker.
You wear your heart monitor to bed to make sure you stay within your target zone during any extracurricular activities.
You experience an unreasonable envy over someone who has bar end extenders longer than yours.
You're too tired for hanky-panky on a Friday night but pump out a five-hour century on Saturday.
Your wife tells you the only way she'll let you ride across the country is over her dead body and you tell her, "If that's the case, you'll be my first speed bump!"
You no longer require a hankie to blow your nose.
You have stopped even trying to explain to your spouse why you need two bikes...you just go buy another one and figure it will all work out in the divorce settlement.
You convert your car's brake and gas pedals to clipless.
You see nothing wrong with discussing the connection between hydration and urine color.
You have more money invested in your bike clothes than in the rest of your combined wardrobe.
Biker chick means black spandex, not leather, and a Marinoni, not a Harley.
You see a fit, tanned, Lycra-clad young woman ride by, and the first thing you check out is her bicycle.
You empathize with the roadkill.
Despite all that winter fat you put on, you'll skim weight by buying titanium components.
You use wax on your chain, but not on your car.
When driving, you yell "On Your Left!" on passing another car.
You yell "Hole!" when you see a pothole while driving your car.
Your bike has more miles on its computer then your car's odometer.
You wear your riding gloves when driving your car.
You buy a mini-van and immediately remove the rear seats to allow your bike(s) to fit.
You have more bike jerseys than dress shirts.
You take your bike along when you shop for a car just to make sure the bike will fit inside.
You use the Yakima or Thule 'Fit Catalog' to pick your next new car instead of Consumer Reports.
You start yelling at cars to "hold your line."
You view crashes as an opportunity to upgrade components.
You clean your bike(s) more often then your car.
You're on the Board of Directors for a Bike Club.
You spend weeks during the summer spraying arrows on the sides of roads.
You mount a $600 cap, on a $1,000 pickup truck, so your $3,000 bike doesn't get wet.
You can't seem to get to work by 8:30 AM, even for important meetings, but you don't have any problems at all meeting your buddies at 5:30 AM for a hammerfest.
You can tell your spouse, with a straight face, that it's too hot to mow the lawn and then bike off for a century.
You regard inter-gender discussion of genital pain as normal.
You know your cadence, but you have no idea what your speed is.
When driving your car you lean over the steering wheel, just like an aerobar.
Your car sits outside your garage because your garage is full of bikes and cycling gear.
You tailgate a semi-trailer to get the drafting effect.
You know your Bike Nashbar customer number by heart.
You hear someone had a crash and your first question is "How's the bike?"
You smile at your evening date, and she politely points out that you seem to have bugs in your teeth.
You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends who are addicted to cycling (or are crazy enough to know you)!
A measurement of 44-36-40 doesn't refer to the latest Playboy centerfold, but that new gear ratio you were considering for your Cobra.
A Power Bar starts tasting better than a Snicker.
You wear your heart monitor to bed to make sure you stay within your target zone during any extracurricular activities.
You experience an unreasonable envy over someone who has bar end extenders longer than yours.
You're too tired for hanky-panky on a Friday night but pump out a five-hour century on Saturday.
Your wife tells you the only way she'll let you ride across the country is over her dead body and you tell her, "If that's the case, you'll be my first speed bump!"
You no longer require a hankie to blow your nose.
You have stopped even trying to explain to your spouse why you need two bikes...you just go buy another one and figure it will all work out in the divorce settlement.
You convert your car's brake and gas pedals to clipless.
You see nothing wrong with discussing the connection between hydration and urine color.
You have more money invested in your bike clothes than in the rest of your combined wardrobe.
Biker chick means black spandex, not leather, and a Marinoni, not a Harley.
You see a fit, tanned, Lycra-clad young woman ride by, and the first thing you check out is her bicycle.
You empathize with the roadkill.
Despite all that winter fat you put on, you'll skim weight by buying titanium components.
You use wax on your chain, but not on your car.
When driving, you yell "On Your Left!" on passing another car.
You yell "Hole!" when you see a pothole while driving your car.
Your bike has more miles on its computer then your car's odometer.
You wear your riding gloves when driving your car.
You buy a mini-van and immediately remove the rear seats to allow your bike(s) to fit.
You have more bike jerseys than dress shirts.
You take your bike along when you shop for a car just to make sure the bike will fit inside.
You use the Yakima or Thule 'Fit Catalog' to pick your next new car instead of Consumer Reports.
You start yelling at cars to "hold your line."
You view crashes as an opportunity to upgrade components.
You clean your bike(s) more often then your car.
You're on the Board of Directors for a Bike Club.
You spend weeks during the summer spraying arrows on the sides of roads.
You mount a $600 cap, on a $1,000 pickup truck, so your $3,000 bike doesn't get wet.
You can't seem to get to work by 8:30 AM, even for important meetings, but you don't have any problems at all meeting your buddies at 5:30 AM for a hammerfest.
You can tell your spouse, with a straight face, that it's too hot to mow the lawn and then bike off for a century.
You regard inter-gender discussion of genital pain as normal.
You know your cadence, but you have no idea what your speed is.
When driving your car you lean over the steering wheel, just like an aerobar.
Your car sits outside your garage because your garage is full of bikes and cycling gear.
You tailgate a semi-trailer to get the drafting effect.
You know your Bike Nashbar customer number by heart.
You hear someone had a crash and your first question is "How's the bike?"
You smile at your evening date, and she politely points out that you seem to have bugs in your teeth.
You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends who are addicted to cycling (or are crazy enough to know you)!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
I fell—what's new?
Last night’s skiing was fun. The fresh snow, calm winds, and the lit tracks made it very pretty and peaceful. Nights like that is what makes me love winter.
Carol, Holly, Diane and myself met. Diane did great on skate skies for the first time. Unfortunately, I’m the slow one. I hate to slow anyone down, but Carol and Diane have been taking turns staying back with me and giving me pointers. Diane got a good laugh when I biffed it on the hill. I'm surprised I've made it down that hill so many times without falling. I think I psyched myself out, ½ ways down I went down. I couldn’t get up so I tucked my skies under my butt and slid down the hill. Now that was fun! Diane almost caused me to tip over from laughing so hard when she almost did the splits.
Tonight is my long run, and then Matt’s spin class in the morning.
Carol, Holly, Diane and myself met. Diane did great on skate skies for the first time. Unfortunately, I’m the slow one. I hate to slow anyone down, but Carol and Diane have been taking turns staying back with me and giving me pointers. Diane got a good laugh when I biffed it on the hill. I'm surprised I've made it down that hill so many times without falling. I think I psyched myself out, ½ ways down I went down. I couldn’t get up so I tucked my skies under my butt and slid down the hill. Now that was fun! Diane almost caused me to tip over from laughing so hard when she almost did the splits.
Tonight is my long run, and then Matt’s spin class in the morning.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Calm before the storm
Merry Christmas.
I went to my sister Melinda’s place on Christmas Eve and went to church with them. It was a children’s mass, so it was cute. I then headed north to my sister Melissa’s place and spent the day at her in-laws. They’ve been married for 23 years so our family and their family are close.
I kept getting texts yesterday from my friends wishing me Merry Christmas. It’s nice to get a text but my sister and I were talking about how now people would rather text then call since they really don’t want to talk, but want to wish you greetings. Funny how times have changed just in the past year.
I went to the gym this morning to work off the cookies that I consumed yesterday. I swear cookie monster must be my father because I have no control when it comes to limitation.
I didn’t go to spin today for a couple of reasons, Tracy wasn’t teaching and I would be the only one there. Instead I did cardio on my two favorite machines the Precore and the Arc Trainer and then did weights. The gym was so quite. I’m not one to make a new years resolution. Why wait? Waiting until January 1st to start a life change just sets you up for failure. Kudos to those who can stick with it. Spin class will be hard for the next couple of weeks. The instructors have been pretty nice this past couple of weeks, but they tend to make it harder after the new year to weed out the one’s that can’t hang. They know that us regulars can take it because we have been there for the past couple of months.
It has been snowing on and off since Saturday. I wonder how the trails will be tonight for skiing. As mom would say: “It’s one sheet of ice. Just one sheet of ice.” You’ve got to love her German ways.
Although, my week is cut short I still plan to work:
Wednesday: Cardo, weights, x-country skiing
Thursday: Long run, weights
Friday: run the track(?), spin class
Saturday: run the track, 2 hour spin class with Matt and Jody
To my surprise, I got a call from a friend that I haven’t talked to in over a year. We are meeting for drinks next week. I think he was shocked to hear in the past year a lot has changed. I have a new job, bought a house, and got into cycling. When we last talked I didn’t do anything, I went to the gym but that was about it aside from work. Now I’m more active, great friends, and I have - in so many words - a life. It will be interesting, last time we hung out was when it was convenient for him…now it will have to be when it’s convenient for me.
I went to my sister Melinda’s place on Christmas Eve and went to church with them. It was a children’s mass, so it was cute. I then headed north to my sister Melissa’s place and spent the day at her in-laws. They’ve been married for 23 years so our family and their family are close.
I kept getting texts yesterday from my friends wishing me Merry Christmas. It’s nice to get a text but my sister and I were talking about how now people would rather text then call since they really don’t want to talk, but want to wish you greetings. Funny how times have changed just in the past year.
I went to the gym this morning to work off the cookies that I consumed yesterday. I swear cookie monster must be my father because I have no control when it comes to limitation.
I didn’t go to spin today for a couple of reasons, Tracy wasn’t teaching and I would be the only one there. Instead I did cardio on my two favorite machines the Precore and the Arc Trainer and then did weights. The gym was so quite. I’m not one to make a new years resolution. Why wait? Waiting until January 1st to start a life change just sets you up for failure. Kudos to those who can stick with it. Spin class will be hard for the next couple of weeks. The instructors have been pretty nice this past couple of weeks, but they tend to make it harder after the new year to weed out the one’s that can’t hang. They know that us regulars can take it because we have been there for the past couple of months.
It has been snowing on and off since Saturday. I wonder how the trails will be tonight for skiing. As mom would say: “It’s one sheet of ice. Just one sheet of ice.” You’ve got to love her German ways.
Although, my week is cut short I still plan to work:
Wednesday: Cardo, weights, x-country skiing
Thursday: Long run, weights
Friday: run the track(?), spin class
Saturday: run the track, 2 hour spin class with Matt and Jody
To my surprise, I got a call from a friend that I haven’t talked to in over a year. We are meeting for drinks next week. I think he was shocked to hear in the past year a lot has changed. I have a new job, bought a house, and got into cycling. When we last talked I didn’t do anything, I went to the gym but that was about it aside from work. Now I’m more active, great friends, and I have - in so many words - a life. It will be interesting, last time we hung out was when it was convenient for him…now it will have to be when it’s convenient for me.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Excuse me.
I didn’t quite get all my christmas shopping done but I know what I’m getting everyone.
I went to Matt’s spin class this moring. It was nice seeing Steve G again on Friday morings. He is starting to become a regular the past week. The funniest thing happened today. The coffee lady that sits on the bike infront of me did not come so I thought “great, I’ll be able to see the video better and have the cold air on me”. Fat chance. One of the regular guys who I don’t talk with since he comes in at the last minute showed and sat on the bike infront of me. Now that wouldn’t be an issue, but he’s a big guy. About 62 years old, brawed sholders, about 6’ something, and just strong looking. He pulls up his seat all the way (about 2 feet) and pushes his seat back. There is a confort zone around my bike and he invated that space. I didn’t feel that conforatble being so close to his backside. Bill couldn’t stop laughing at the situation. Matt yelled out about ½ through class “just because I can’t see you Madonna, don’t mean I can’t see your feet.” You had to be there!
Sara came to class. She just turned dirty thirty yestuerday and had a few too many. She looked a little green troughout class.
I spoke with Matt after class. I love his enthusiasm. He asked me to lead a women’s ride, Dan the owner as asked the same. Laurie lead one this past summer that became pretty strong between her, Erika, and I—which is what I don’t understand. I think he wants to push me and lead out a faster ride. I’ll have to figure out my race schdule and what I can do. I’m willing to lead a ride now that I know the roads better. I love the idea to get more women into this sport.
I went to Matt’s spin class this moring. It was nice seeing Steve G again on Friday morings. He is starting to become a regular the past week. The funniest thing happened today. The coffee lady that sits on the bike infront of me did not come so I thought “great, I’ll be able to see the video better and have the cold air on me”. Fat chance. One of the regular guys who I don’t talk with since he comes in at the last minute showed and sat on the bike infront of me. Now that wouldn’t be an issue, but he’s a big guy. About 62 years old, brawed sholders, about 6’ something, and just strong looking. He pulls up his seat all the way (about 2 feet) and pushes his seat back. There is a confort zone around my bike and he invated that space. I didn’t feel that conforatble being so close to his backside. Bill couldn’t stop laughing at the situation. Matt yelled out about ½ through class “just because I can’t see you Madonna, don’t mean I can’t see your feet.” You had to be there!
Sara came to class. She just turned dirty thirty yestuerday and had a few too many. She looked a little green troughout class.
I spoke with Matt after class. I love his enthusiasm. He asked me to lead a women’s ride, Dan the owner as asked the same. Laurie lead one this past summer that became pretty strong between her, Erika, and I—which is what I don’t understand. I think he wants to push me and lead out a faster ride. I’ll have to figure out my race schdule and what I can do. I’m willing to lead a ride now that I know the roads better. I love the idea to get more women into this sport.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
It's Getting Easier
Last night’s skiing went really well. I never fell. Holly, Carol, Diane and myself went to Elm Creek. Diane stayed back with me and discussed technique and waxing. Before they came I took off on the bigger loop thinking they could catch up to me, but I was able to make the loop before they got there. The snow was softer due to the warmer weather so it was much easier to climb the hills. After last week, my heart was beating pretty fast when I got to the top of the “death defining hill”. The whole time I kept hearing Carol’s voice saying ‘make your pie’, ‘turn in your foot to make the turn’, ‘lean forward’...I miss my bike.
I stopped by the shop to say hi to the guys before I went skiing. I guess I wasn’t the only one. The guys said that a few of the Wednesday night guys have stopped in lately to say hi and to check out the new Madone. That’s a nice bike. Someday I’ll get a carbon bike, but not this year.
Between our vendors and co-workers there has been a bunch of junk food here at the office. I’m such a sweets person that if it’s around I will eat it. There goes my 2 pound loss. Thus why I don’t buy any.
My co-worker is a type A personality. We got gifts for our client (3 people) and we themed and personalized their gifts. Today we were wrapping each gift. I finished wrapping one, but because she wanted different paper on each gift (which I didn’t know), she unwrapped the gift and rewrapped it with a different paper. The card that was designed by our Supervisor for the account wasn’t quite what she wanted so she went down to the creative dept to fix it, but then technology was appalled by the cut and past look to the card so they had to fix it. This whole thing was funny.
I stopped by the shop to say hi to the guys before I went skiing. I guess I wasn’t the only one. The guys said that a few of the Wednesday night guys have stopped in lately to say hi and to check out the new Madone. That’s a nice bike. Someday I’ll get a carbon bike, but not this year.
Between our vendors and co-workers there has been a bunch of junk food here at the office. I’m such a sweets person that if it’s around I will eat it. There goes my 2 pound loss. Thus why I don’t buy any.
My co-worker is a type A personality. We got gifts for our client (3 people) and we themed and personalized their gifts. Today we were wrapping each gift. I finished wrapping one, but because she wanted different paper on each gift (which I didn’t know), she unwrapped the gift and rewrapped it with a different paper. The card that was designed by our Supervisor for the account wasn’t quite what she wanted so she went down to the creative dept to fix it, but then technology was appalled by the cut and past look to the card so they had to fix it. This whole thing was funny.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Seeing Stars
Last night I pushed myself a bit too much. I did my long run averaging heart rate 155-160 the first 40 minutes. The last 20 minutes I like to challenge myself and increase the speed every couple of minutes. My heart rate will jump but it jumped to 172 and stayed there for too long. My anaerobic threshold (not tested) is about 165. This morning I went to Tracy’s spin class where we did 10 minute hills and 10 minute sprints (30 seconds on and off). On a normal day that would be nothing. Today, I had a hard time catching my breath and I started to get dizzy. My heart rate was never over 165.
Tonight I’m going skiing in Elm Creek for a couple of hours. I hope I don’t bonk.
On a positive note, by altering my diet this week, cutting out soda for the past couple of weeks, and running out of Christmas cookies I have dropped two pounds. I just started climbing that hill and the peak seems a distance away, I hope I’m strong enough to make it past the hard time especially with Christmas next week. I’m going to my sister’s Melinda and Melissa’s house for the holiday and they are both really good cooks.
Question: As a single girl looking for Mr. Right, once you meet a guy that you are attracted to how much is too much flirting? I have no clue where that line is. I always feel like I crossed it when I haven’t and if I feel like I haven’t I did. When is to too much and when is it not enough. Do guys like a girl that is forward or do they like the chase?
Tonight I’m going skiing in Elm Creek for a couple of hours. I hope I don’t bonk.
On a positive note, by altering my diet this week, cutting out soda for the past couple of weeks, and running out of Christmas cookies I have dropped two pounds. I just started climbing that hill and the peak seems a distance away, I hope I’m strong enough to make it past the hard time especially with Christmas next week. I’m going to my sister’s Melinda and Melissa’s house for the holiday and they are both really good cooks.
Question: As a single girl looking for Mr. Right, once you meet a guy that you are attracted to how much is too much flirting? I have no clue where that line is. I always feel like I crossed it when I haven’t and if I feel like I haven’t I did. When is to too much and when is it not enough. Do guys like a girl that is forward or do they like the chase?
Monday, December 17, 2007
2 Minutes of Rest
I had to work both days this weekend and I have to work tonight. After this week I should be dropped down to once or twice a week. It’s been a challenge to work a full time job, work out x amount of hours a week, and work a part time job where you stand for 6 to 8 hours. Standing for that long is horrible for my training so it's been challenging. I wanted to go to Matt’s 90 minute class on Sunday, but since I didn’t get home until 2am the night before and I was go go go all day Saturday then worked at noon on Sunday, I needed to have a couple of hours to recoup.
My plans for this week:
Tuesday: 60 min run, weights
Wednesday: spin and x-country
Thursday: weights, Christmas shop
Friday: Run the track(?), spin
Saturday: Run the track, spin
Start to transition to a healthier eating plan now that the x-mas cookies are gone so next week won’t be so difficult.
My plans for this week:
Tuesday: 60 min run, weights
Wednesday: spin and x-country
Thursday: weights, Christmas shop
Friday: Run the track(?), spin
Saturday: Run the track, spin
Start to transition to a healthier eating plan now that the x-mas cookies are gone so next week won’t be so difficult.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Ugh!
Missed Matt’s class today due to over sleeping, but I was still sore form skiing. I talked to him today and he plans to set-up his spin classes so us “cyclists” are not winded on the first ride.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Ignorance Is Bliss
My motto this past year.
Last night I went x-country skiing with Holly at French for 2 hours. Carol, Diane, Tim (Carol’s husband), Andrea and her boyfriend all showed up an hour later. My window at work faces the direction of French, all you see is flat land. I would never have guessed that there would be so many hills I would soon fall down. Similar to my first time mountain biking I feel like I was beaten up but with no bruises.
Right now I’m frustrated. I want to have the skills. I don’t want to have the fear but the excitement that I have with cycling. I’m so stubborn these days that giving up has crossed my mind, but the determination to fight through this is much stronger.
Tonight I’m taking the day off from working out. Tomorrow is Matt’s class, who knows what he has up his sleeve.
Last night I went x-country skiing with Holly at French for 2 hours. Carol, Diane, Tim (Carol’s husband), Andrea and her boyfriend all showed up an hour later. My window at work faces the direction of French, all you see is flat land. I would never have guessed that there would be so many hills I would soon fall down. Similar to my first time mountain biking I feel like I was beaten up but with no bruises.
Right now I’m frustrated. I want to have the skills. I don’t want to have the fear but the excitement that I have with cycling. I’m so stubborn these days that giving up has crossed my mind, but the determination to fight through this is much stronger.
Tonight I’m taking the day off from working out. Tomorrow is Matt’s class, who knows what he has up his sleeve.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Mind, Body, and Spirit
Today I took a yoga class. I haven’t taken one since early summer. I wish there were better class times that would fit my schedule better. I’m not one that feels that yoga is much of a workout. I like the high energy sweat-pouring type of workout to feel like I burned a few calories, but I do admit you have this “feel good” attitude once the class is over. The benefits from yoga are indescribable. The few times I took the class this summer I saw my cycling improve leaps and bounds within a couple of rides. Don’t knock it unless you tired it.
Last night I ran for 60 minutes and then did an hour of weight training mostly focusing on upper body. I also did my modified lunges. I’m a wimp right now when it comes to weight lifting. I haven’t been very committed to weight training as I should so I have this bent over grandma walk today.
I would like to add swimming to my list of training, but I don’t know how to swim very well. I go past the pool several times a week, but today I figured out what I can do. I’m a little intimidated so I’ll have to go early in the morning to give it a try.
Tonight I’m going x-country skiing.
Last night I ran for 60 minutes and then did an hour of weight training mostly focusing on upper body. I also did my modified lunges. I’m a wimp right now when it comes to weight lifting. I haven’t been very committed to weight training as I should so I have this bent over grandma walk today.
I would like to add swimming to my list of training, but I don’t know how to swim very well. I go past the pool several times a week, but today I figured out what I can do. I’m a little intimidated so I’ll have to go early in the morning to give it a try.
Tonight I’m going x-country skiing.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Crazy Weekend
This weekend was crazy. I went to my sister Melinda’s house on Friday night. My other sister, Melissa, came from St. Cloud with Zoe. We made and exchanged Christmas cookies for a few hours. I’m surprised every year that I don’t go into sugar shock.
Saturday I went to the gym and ran 20 laps (about 2 miles). I didn’t struggle though the run like have been in the past, I also completed it 2 minutes faster then when I first started running the 20 laps about a month ago (18 minutes). After a quick change I went to Jody’s class. Steve showed up. I almost didn’t recognize him, he had hair and he lost 30 pounds since he last rode with us in May when he got lost. I quickly changed and went to the dentist to find out that I have to get a crown. I was so depressed. I’ve had so much done with my teeth that I always hate to go. Open the wallet and say awh.
Then, I worked a 6 hour shift at William Sonoma and then headed up to the Loon party. The party was fun. I'm kind of mad at myself because I stayed in my comfort zone and hung around the guys I knew and didn't venture to meet anyone new. The room was split like a Jr. High dance. Some of the cat 1's showed up right before I left, but I never got to talk with them. Guess I'll meet them this summer sometime.
I had a long conversation with Melinda at the party. I've talked with her several times while riding, but I never talked with her as long as I did that night. It was nice to get to know her a bit more.
They gave out gag awards. There were some good stores from the past year. One guy won the Skibby Award by running into a moving train (he thought he would clear the train after it was rolling by but timed it wrong). Those of you who don’t know about the Skibby Award, it was named after the guy Skibby, now the MCF President, because he has done a number of bonehead moves like forgets his wheels at home the day of a race. The one I liked was the kid-leash that was given to Neil. At his Prairie-Roubaix race, which he has organized for the past three years, he was dropped early on but out of pure determination (and help by holding onto a car) he won the race.
I’ll have to come back and edit this but there was a 15 year old that is on the team. At the age of 15 he has about 10 titles under his name from just this year. I hope he continues his drive in this sport. He will be one to watch.
I’m excited to start training seriously for this upcoming season. The women team has a bit of notoriety here in Minneapolis, but I would like to see if I can make a name for myself. I want to lose a few (or 25) pounds before March. It seems like an ambitious goal, and I agree, but if I have more then the normal reasons to drop a few pounds I think I’ll can stick to the plan. Wish me luck. I’ll need it.
Saturday I went to the gym and ran 20 laps (about 2 miles). I didn’t struggle though the run like have been in the past, I also completed it 2 minutes faster then when I first started running the 20 laps about a month ago (18 minutes). After a quick change I went to Jody’s class. Steve showed up. I almost didn’t recognize him, he had hair and he lost 30 pounds since he last rode with us in May when he got lost. I quickly changed and went to the dentist to find out that I have to get a crown. I was so depressed. I’ve had so much done with my teeth that I always hate to go. Open the wallet and say awh.
Then, I worked a 6 hour shift at William Sonoma and then headed up to the Loon party. The party was fun. I'm kind of mad at myself because I stayed in my comfort zone and hung around the guys I knew and didn't venture to meet anyone new. The room was split like a Jr. High dance. Some of the cat 1's showed up right before I left, but I never got to talk with them. Guess I'll meet them this summer sometime.
I had a long conversation with Melinda at the party. I've talked with her several times while riding, but I never talked with her as long as I did that night. It was nice to get to know her a bit more.
They gave out gag awards. There were some good stores from the past year. One guy won the Skibby Award by running into a moving train (he thought he would clear the train after it was rolling by but timed it wrong). Those of you who don’t know about the Skibby Award, it was named after the guy Skibby, now the MCF President, because he has done a number of bonehead moves like forgets his wheels at home the day of a race. The one I liked was the kid-leash that was given to Neil. At his Prairie-Roubaix race, which he has organized for the past three years, he was dropped early on but out of pure determination (and help by holding onto a car) he won the race.
I’ll have to come back and edit this but there was a 15 year old that is on the team. At the age of 15 he has about 10 titles under his name from just this year. I hope he continues his drive in this sport. He will be one to watch.
I’m excited to start training seriously for this upcoming season. The women team has a bit of notoriety here in Minneapolis, but I would like to see if I can make a name for myself. I want to lose a few (or 25) pounds before March. It seems like an ambitious goal, and I agree, but if I have more then the normal reasons to drop a few pounds I think I’ll can stick to the plan. Wish me luck. I’ll need it.
Friday, December 7, 2007
1 Hour Challenge
Today in spin class we did 60 minutes of hill climbing. My legs felt great but I got a kink in my neck from being in the same position for so long. I enjoy out of the saddle hill climbing in spin class so today was fun. Thanks Matt!
I started thinking about last year at this time…
I took my first spin class. I woke up one morning and said I was going to go. I told all my co-workers that spin class has always scared me and that I was going to bite the bullet and just do it. I don’t think I will ever forget that day and the weary look that they had in their face once I told them my plans. I walked into the class and the first thing I did was tell the instructor it was my first time. She was great. She said “if you can’t put any more tension on the bike just fake it”. 15 minutes into class I didn’t think I would make it the whole 60 minutes. 30 minutes into class I couldn’t see from the pain and/or sweat in my eye. I did it, I completed the class. I called my sister Melinda right away and told her what I just did. I told her I couldn’t wait to go back.
I started thinking about last year at this time…
I took my first spin class. I woke up one morning and said I was going to go. I told all my co-workers that spin class has always scared me and that I was going to bite the bullet and just do it. I don’t think I will ever forget that day and the weary look that they had in their face once I told them my plans. I walked into the class and the first thing I did was tell the instructor it was my first time. She was great. She said “if you can’t put any more tension on the bike just fake it”. 15 minutes into class I didn’t think I would make it the whole 60 minutes. 30 minutes into class I couldn’t see from the pain and/or sweat in my eye. I did it, I completed the class. I called my sister Melinda right away and told her what I just did. I told her I couldn’t wait to go back.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
I Survived
I went out x-country skiing last night. Wow! What a full body work out. There were 4 of us that went out. They all must have thought I was acting like a wimp when we where going down this death defying hill. I've never down hilled skied before so that hill looked like a mountain to me. I'm glad I didn't have wax or skate skies.
I’m such an impatient person. I always have to put myself in check when it comes to cycling and now skiing. I was thinking this morning about how many times I have actually gone out, even though I’ve had my skies for several years. Including these couple of times recently it has only been 6 times. Between the lack of snow and my couple of years living in Portland I never got out very much.
One of the guys that we ride with met us on the trails. It was so funny because the 4 of us had no idea who it was at first...we are not used to so many layers.
I’m such an impatient person. I always have to put myself in check when it comes to cycling and now skiing. I was thinking this morning about how many times I have actually gone out, even though I’ve had my skies for several years. Including these couple of times recently it has only been 6 times. Between the lack of snow and my couple of years living in Portland I never got out very much.
One of the guys that we ride with met us on the trails. It was so funny because the 4 of us had no idea who it was at first...we are not used to so many layers.
The First Blog
I'm starting this blog for a few reasons. 1. The past year I've had some great stories that not even I could make up. From getting demoted to croissants from pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving to running over a large road cone with my road bike without crashing to screaming at an inanimate object in the woods. The list goes on and on. 2. I thought it would be fun to share these stores with my friends or whoever would listen. 3. This blog will track my training. 4. I was told you’re not a true cyclist if you don’t have a blog.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
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